This week, we lost a Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and friend. On May 3rd, Donald Ray Strayer (92), went home to be with his Lord, passing away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.

As we mourn our loss, we also celebrate the wonderful legacy that Don leaves behind. His faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, kindness, humor, and deep caring for others have left a positive mark on the lives of countless people.

Donald was born on August 3, 1931, to LJ and Florence (Wait) Strayer in Montague, MI. He spent his young years in Northport, MI, where his father was a commercial fisherman. The family then moved to Wayland, MI, where his father began farming throughout Don's middle and high school years. Donald went on to Michigan State University and later he served in the Army as a part of the peace keeping forces in Trieste, Italy.

Donald married Marguerite Blizzard in 1959. In their 62 years of marriage, Don and Marguerite raised three children, Karen, Lisa, and Dwight. They spent 50 years living in Lansing, MI, and co-owned Chicago Point, a family resort on Gun Lake in Shelbyville, MI. He was active in his church, Maranatha Baptist, and worked in Real Estate and then in sales. His family remembers that over his lifetime, he was always looking for ways to make life better for the people whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Karen (Kevin) DeShone, Lisa (Eric) VanDerhoof, Dwight (Karen) Strayer; 7 Grandchildren: Kevin (Rebekah) VanDerhoof, Jonathan (Ilia) VanDerhoof, Matthew (Hannah) VanDerhoof, Alicia (Levi) Gulliver, Jessica (Thomas) Cheslek, Nathan Strayer, and Valerie VanDerhoof; 5 Great Grandchildren: Eldon, Ulrik, Anastasia, Gregor, and Ewan VanDerhoof, children of Kevin and Rebekah. Donald was preceded in death by his Granddaughter, Christa VanDerhoof in 2013 and his wife, Marguerite in 2021.

A celebration of his life is planned for June 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Orangeville Baptist Church, 6921 Marsh Rd. Plainwell, MI 49080. Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Corewell Health Hospice.